Petzl has been manufacturing helmets for more than 50 years, making lives safer in the recreational world, as well as for work-at-height professions. The brand is well known among expert users across various industries including telecom, tree care, fiber deployment, wind energy, high-rise building maintenance, and technical rescue.
Within the telecom industry, Petzl’s customers include tower climbers who erect structures and install and maintain telecom equipment, along with those who are laying foundations for the structures or laying fiber in trenches, according to Michel Goulet, Business Development Manager, Petzl America. “There’s plenty of hazards to go around on those sites to necessitate the use of the high quality, personal protective equipment (PPE) that we provide,” he told Inside Towers.
For professional technicians, Petzl offers two different helmet models; the VERTEX and the STRATO. Both helmets meet US OSHA requirements and comply with ANSI Z89.1 standards. The Canadian model VERTEX meets the CSA Z94.1 standard. “The most important materials that are used in helmets are the ones that absorb the shock, from a falling object or contact with the tower in a fall,” Goulet said. “How is the energy being absorbed?”
Shock Absorption
Each helmet design absorbs the impact or energy differently. The VERTEX model has a shell that is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is designed to deflect and absorb energy. On the other hand, the STRATO helmet shock absorption is achieved through deformation of the liner, which is made of EPP (expanded polypropylene) and EPS (expanded polystyrene) for reduced weight.
Lightweight and Comfortable
“Both of our helmet models are designed to protect workers at ground level and at-height. Their fundamental benefits are their lightweight construction and superior comfort,” Goulet said. “These key features encourage consistent use, ensuring workers keep their helmets on throughout their tasks and while in hazard zones.”
Also for comfort, both helmet lines feature the CENTERFIT patented feature, which allows perfect centering of the helmet on the head, thanks to its two-side adjustment wheels. They also both feature the FLIP&FIT system, which allows the headband to be adjusted to a lower position, ensuring that the helmet fits securely on the head. The system also folds into the shell for easy storage and transport.
The VERTEX VENT helmets have ventilation openings on both sides of the helmet. The vent holes have sliding shutters, which can be adjusted throughout the day, allowing the ventilation to be adjusted as weather and temperatures dictate.
“The six-point suspension system on the VERTEX helmet not only adjusts perfectly to the shape of the head, but it also keeps the helmet more ventilated,” Goulet said. “There is also a VERTEX helmet that is Class E rated, with an unventilated outer shell, which protects against electrical hazards, molten metal splash, and flames.”
The STRATO helmets also come in a vented or non-vented model, however, there are no sliding shutters on the vented model. They are designed to be both lightweight and comfortable with changeable absorbent comfort foam.
Both the STRATO and VERTEX helmet lines come in several different colors including “HI VIZ” orange and yellow models, which feature high-visibility fluorescent outer shells with phosphorescent headlamp clips and reflective bands for optimal visibility, day or night.
“We also have a number of different helmet stickers that can be used either for company or worker identification, or for further increased visibility,” Goulet said.
All Petzl helmets come with high strength polyester straps which are hydrophobic and easy to clean or change out. The bills on all Petzl’s helmets are short, prioritizing better upward visibility for the worker, without tipping their head up and exposing their face to dropped objects.
Accessories
Petzl provides a wide range of accessories that transform the helmet into a complete head protection system. This includes half and full-face shields made from polycarbonate and nylon/steel mesh, all of which are easily installed on the helmets using the EASYCLIP attachment system. These shields can be quickly pivoted from the work position to the storage position atop the helmet. Additional accessories include Petzl’s full line of headlamps, as well as nametag holders, nape protectors, reflective stickers, hearing protection slots, and more.
“All these accessories are fully compatible with our helmet design, allowing for easy installation and adjustment throughout the workday,” Goulet said. “They are engineered to provide high-level protection for the eyes, face, ears, neck, and head, safeguarding against hazards such as falling equipment, flying debris, and various types of contact exposure.”
Petzl is not only a leading manufacturer of helmets and accessories, but is also a dedicated educator of worksite safety and emergency solutions. With a global presence, it gathers, validates, and disseminates best practices, sourced from both internal and external experts. A wealth of resources are accessible free of charge on Petzl’s website, including ‘how to’ videos, detailed equipment usage guidelines, safety insights, technical tips, and regulatory compliance information.
“Our educational efforts are manifested through our website, social media channels, and the Petzl Technical Institute, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, where we conduct workshops, symposiums, and instructor-level classes,” Goulet said. “We are committed to promoting safe work practices through comprehensive education and skill development.”
Workers, both at ground level and at-height, must conduct a thorough job hazard analysis for every worksite and tasks to be performed, according to Goulet. If a hazard cannot be fully mitigated, appropriate PPE must be used. The level of protection provided by the PPE must match the potential severity of the hazard. Petzl offers a comprehensive head protection system, comprising high-quality helmets and accessories, specifically designed to address these challenges. Helmets are essential for working in hazard zones or at height as well as other industrial activities to give the worker effective protection in the case of a fall or from falling objects.
Case in Point
An illustrative case involves a recent incident reported from Ontario, Canada, in September 2023. A worker was struck on the head by a Jackson welding plug connector that had fallen approx 280 feet from a wind turbine. Despite experiencing soreness in the neck and headaches for a couple of days afterward, the worker attributed his survival to the VERTEX helmet. He shared a photograph of the helmet following the incident, underscoring its critical role in protecting his life.
For more information about Petzl’s products and sales network, visit www.petzl.com or email the company at [email protected]. Petzl America has a comprehensive network of technical sales reps throughout the USA and Canada to assist with any PPE questions or needs.
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